Inductive charging between electronic devices

ABSTRACT

An electronic device and methods for inductively charging an electronic device using another external electronic device. The electronic device may include an enclosure, a battery positioned within the enclosure, and an inductive coil coupled to the battery. The inductive coil may have two or more operational modes, including a power receiving operational mode for wirelessly receiving power and a power transmitting operational mode for wirelessly transmitting power. The electronic device may also have a controller coupled to the inductive coil for selecting one of the operational modes.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/731,280, filed Jun. 4, 2015 and titled “Inductive Charging BetweenElectronic Devices,” which is a non-provisional patent application ofand claims the benefit to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.62/056,827, filed Sep. 29, 2014 and titled “Inductive Charging BetweenElectronic Devices,” the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated byreference in their entirety for all purposes.

BACKGROUND

The disclosure relates generally to electronic devices and, morespecifically, to wirelessly charging a first electronic device using asecond electronic device.

Some electronic devices include one or more rechargeable batteries thatmay require external power to recharge. Often, these devices may becharged using a common or standardized electrical connector or cable.For example, some devices may be charged using a universal serial bus(“USB”) connector or cable. However, despite having standardizedconnectors and cable, each device may require a separate or dedicatedpower supply to charge. In some cases, having separate power suppliesfor each device may be burdensome to use, store, and/or transport.

SUMMARY

Generally, embodiments discussed herein are related to an electronicdevice configured to inductively or wirelessly transfer power to asecond, external electronic device. The wireless power transfer may beused to charge the battery of the first and/or second electronic device.The electronic devices may include inductive coils which may beconfigured to be in electrical communication with inductive coils ofexternal electronic devices. In some embodiments, the electricallycommunicative inductive coils may act as transmitting coils and/orreceiving coils capable of transmitting power between the electronicdevices. This transmission of power may increase a charge of a batteryof the electronic device receiving the power, while simultaneouslydecreasing the charge of a battery transmitting the power. The inductivecoils of the electronic devices capable of transmitting power toexternal electronic devices may allow for the charging of the battery ofan electronic device using only another electronic device. As such, onlya single power cord or no power cords may be needed to charge one ormore of a group of devices that include electrically communicativeinductive coils.

Some example embodiments are directed to portable electronic device thatinclude an enclosure defining an opening, a display positioned ordisposed within the opening, a user input device positioned on anexternal surface of the display, and a battery positioned within or onthe enclosure. The battery may be configured to provide electrical powerto the display. The device may also include a transmit inductive coilwithin the enclosure and configured to wirelessly transmit power to anexternal device that is positioned proximate to the enclosure. In someembodiments, the transmit inductive coil is operatively coupled to thebattery and is configured to wirelessly transmit power from the batteryto the external device. In some embodiments, the device also includes areceive inductive coil that is positioned or disposed within theenclosure and configured to wirelessly receive power from the externaldevice that is positioned proximate to the enclosure. In someembodiments, the portable electronic device includes a speaker withinthe enclosure and electrically coupled to the battery. The portableelectronic device may also include a microphone within the enclosure andelectrically coupled to the battery. In some cases, the user inputdevice is a touch sensor or touch screen positioned on an exteriorsurface of the device.

Some example embodiments are directed to an electronic device, includingan enclosure, a battery within the enclosure and an inductive coilwithin the enclosure and coupled to the battery. The inductive coil maybe configured to operate in two or more operational modes that include:a power receiving mode for wirelessly receiving power from an externaldevice; and a power transmitting mode for wirelessly transmitting powerto the external device. The device may also include a controller that iscoupled to the inductive coil and configured to select the operationalmode of the inductive coil. In some cases, the controller is inelectronic communication with the battery and configured to monitor acharge of the battery. In some embodiments, the device may include adisplay, a touch sensor, a speaker disposed or positioned within theenclosure and electrically coupled to the battery, and a microphonedisposed or positioned within the enclosure and electrically coupled tothe battery.

In some embodiments, the inductive coil is an inner inductive coil andthe device includes an outer inductive coil surrounding the innerinductive coil. In some cases, while in the power transmitting mode,both the inner and outer inductive coils are activated to transmitwireless power. In some cases, while in the power receiving mode, onlythe inner inductive coil is activated to receive wireless power.

In some embodiments, the electronic device includes an alignment magnetthat is positioned adjacent the inductive coil. The alignment magnet maybe configured to assist in positioning the external device relative tothe electronic device.

In some embodiments, the electronic device is one of a first mobilephone, a first smart phone, a first tablet computer, or a first notebookcomputer and the external device is one of: a second mobile phone, asecond smart phone, a second tablet computer, or a second notebookcomputer.

In some embodiments, the battery of the electronic device is configuredto be charged by the external device in the power receiving mode. Insome embodiments, the battery of the electronic device is configured tocharge the external device in the power transmitting mode.

Some example embodiments are directed to a method of inductivelywirelessly coupling a first and a second electronic device. A firstinductive coil of the first electronic device may be positioned relativeto a second inductive coil of the second electronic device. Using afirst controller of the first electronic device, an operational mode ofthe first inductive coil may be selected. The first inductive coil maybe configured to operate in two or more modes, including: a powerreceiving operational mode for wirelessly receiving power, and a powertransmitting operational mode for wirelessly transmitting power. Themethod may also include transmitting power from one of: the firstinductive coil to the second inductive coil, or the second inductivecoil to the first inductive coil. In some embodiments, an operationalmode of the second inductive coil of the second electronic device isselected using a second controller of the second electronic device.

In some embodiments, the positioning of the first inductive coilrelative to the second inductive coil includes positioning the firstelectronic device directly on the second electronic device, and aligningthe first inductive coil of the first electronic device with the secondinductive coil of the second electronic device. In some embodiments, thepositioning of the first inductive coil relative to the second inductivecoil includes coupling a first alignment magnet of the first electronicdevice to a second alignment magnet of the second electronic device. Thefirst alignment magnet may be positioned adjacent to the first inductivecoil, and the second alignment magnet may be positioned adjacent to thesecond inductive coil.

In some embodiments, selecting the operational mode of the firstinductive coil includes: detecting a presence of the second electronicdevice, and selecting the operational mode of the first inductive coilin response to detecting the presence of the second electronic device.

In some embodiments, an outer inductive coil of the first electronicdevice is activated to wirelessly couple power with the second coil ofthe second electronic device, and the outer inductive coil may surroundthe first inductive coil. In some cases, when transmitting power fromthe first inductive coil of the first device to the second inductivecoil of the second electronic device, a power coupling efficiency isestimated between the first inductive coil and the second inductivecoil. In some cases, an outer inductive coil surrounding the firstinductive coil is activated based on the estimation.

Some example embodiments are directed to a system that includes a firstelectronic device and a second electronic device. The first electronicdevice may include a first battery, a first inductive coil coupled tothe first battery, and a first controller coupled to the first inductivecoil for selecting an operational mode of the first inductive coil. Thesecond electronic device may be positioned adjacent the first electronicdevice. The second electronic device may include a second battery, asecond inductive coil coupled to the second battery, and a secondcontroller coupled to the second inductive coil for selecting anoperational mode of the second inductive coil. In some cases, the firstcontroller is configured to select a power transmitting operational modefor wirelessly transmitting power from the first battery to the secondbattery using the first inductive coil. The first controller may also beconfigured to select a power receiving operational mode for wirelesslyreceiving power from the second battery to the first battery using thefirst inductive coil.

In some embodiments, the first electronic device includes a firstalignment magnet positioned adjacent to the first inductive coil. Insome embodiments, the second electronic device includes a secondalignment magnet positioned adjacent to the second inductive coil. Thesecond alignment magnet may be configured to attract the first alignmentmagnet to align the first inductive coil of the first electronic devicewith the second inductive coil of the second electronic device.

In some embodiments, the first electronic device includes an outerinductive coil surrounding the first inductive coil. The outer inductivecoil may be coupled to the first battery and the first controller. Insome embodiments, the second electronic device includes a second outerinductive coil surrounding the second inductive coil. The second outerinductive coil may be coupled to the second battery and the secondcontroller. In some cases, the first inductive coil of the firstelectronic device is configured to wirelessly transfer power with atleast one of: the second inductive coil of the second electronic device,and the second outer inductive coil of the second electronic device. Theouter inductive coil of the first electronic device may be configured towirelessly transfer power with at least one of: the second inductivecoil of the second electronic device and the second outer inductive coilof the second electronic device.

In some embodiments, the first electronic device also includes a displayand the first electronic device is configured to modify the graphicaloutput of the display in response to the first electronic device beingproximate to the second electronic device. In some cases, the graphicaloutput of the display indicates an alignment condition of the firstelectronic device with respect to the second electronic device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The disclosure will be readily understood by the following detaileddescription in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein likereference numerals designate like structural elements, and in which:

FIG. 1 shows an illustrative front view of a first electronic deviceincluding an inductive coil, according to embodiments;

FIG. 2 shows an illustrative view of the first electronic device of FIG.1 with a display removed, according to embodiments;

FIG. 3 shows an illustrative back view of the first electronic device ofFIG. 1, according to embodiments;

FIGS. 4A-4C show an illustrative side cross-sectional view of a portionof the first electronic device of FIG. 1 taken along line 4-4, accordingto embodiments;

FIG. 5A shows an illustrative front view of a second electronic deviceincluding a group of inductive coils, according to embodiments;

FIG. 5B shows an illustrative back view of the second electronic deviceof FIG. 5A, according to embodiments;

FIG. 6A shows an illustrative front view of a third electronic deviceincluding an inductive coil, according to embodiments;

FIG. 6B shows an illustrative back view of the third electronic deviceof FIG. 6A, according to embodiments;

FIG. 7A shows an illustrative top view of a fourth electronic deviceincluding a group of inductive coils, according to embodiments;

FIG. 7B shows an illustrative top view of the fourth electronic deviceof FIG. 7A in a closed configuration, according to embodiments;

FIG. 8 shows an illustrative front view of a fifth electronic device,according to embodiments;

FIG. 9A shows an illustrative view of the first electronic device ofFIG. 1 being inserted into the fifth electronic device of FIG. 8,according to some embodiments;

FIG. 9B shows an illustrative front view of the first electronic deviceof FIG. 1 positioned within the fifth electronic device of FIG. 5A,according to embodiments;

FIG. 10 shows an illustrative front view of the first electronic deviceof FIG. 1 positioned adjacent the second electronic device of FIG. 5A,according to embodiments;

FIG. 11 shows an illustrative side cross-sectional view of a portion ofthe first electronic device of FIG. 1 and the second electronic deviceof FIG. 5A taken along line 11-11 of FIG. 10, according to embodiments;

FIG. 12 shows an illustrative front view of the first electronic deviceof FIG. 1 positioned adjacent the second electronic device of FIG. 5A,according to further embodiments;

FIG. 13 shows an illustrative front view of the first electronic deviceof FIG. 1 and the third electronic device of FIG. 6A, positionedadjacent the second electronic device of FIG. 5A, according toembodiments;

FIG. 14 shows an illustrative front view of the first electronic deviceof FIG. 1 and the third electronics device of FIG. 6A, positionedadjacent the second electronic device of FIG. 5A, according toembodiments;

FIG. 15 shows an illustrative front view of the first electronic deviceof FIG. 1 positioned adjacent the fourth electronic device of FIG. 7A,according to embodiments;

FIG. 16 shows an illustrative front view of the first electronic deviceof FIG. 1 positioned adjacent the fourth electronic device of FIG. 7A,according to embodiments;

FIG. 17 shows an illustrative front view of the first electronic deviceof FIG. 1 and the third electronic device of FIG. 6A, positionedadjacent the fourth electronic device of FIG. 7A, according toembodiments;

FIG. 18 shows an illustrative front view of the first electronic deviceof FIG. 1 and the third electronic device of FIG. 6A, positionedadjacent the fourth electronic device of FIG. 7B, according toembodiments;

FIG. 19 shows an illustrative front view of the first electronic deviceof FIG. 1 the second electronic device of FIG. 5A, and the thirdelectronic device of FIG. 6A, positioned adjacent the fourth electronicdevice of FIG. 7B, according to embodiments;

FIG. 20 shows an illustrative front view of the first electronic deviceof FIG. 1, the second electronic device of FIG. 5A, and the thirdelectronic device of FIG. 6A positioned adjacent the fourth electronicdevice of FIG. 7B, according to embodiments;

FIG. 21 shows an illustrative front view of a sixth electronic deviceincluding a first inductive coil and a second inductive coil, accordingto embodiments;

FIGS. 22A and 22B show illustrative schematic views of the firstinductive coil and the second inductive coil of the sixth electronicdevice of FIG. 21 in electrical communication with external inductivecoils, according to embodiments;

FIGS. 23A-23C show illustrative front views of the first electronicdevice of FIG. 1 and the second electronic device of FIG. 5A undergoingprocesses for device-to-device inductive charging, according toembodiments;

FIG. 24 shows an illustrative front view of the first electronic deviceof FIG. 1 and the second electronic device of FIG. 5A, undergoingprocesses for device-to-device inductive charging, according toadditional embodiments;

FIG. 25 shows an illustrative front view of the first electronic deviceof FIG. 1 displaying app icons of the second electronic device of FIG.5A, according to embodiments;

FIGS. 26A-26C show illustrative front views of the first electronicdevice of FIG. 1 and the second electronic device of FIG. 5A undergoingprocesses for device-to-device inductive charging, according to furtherembodiments;

FIG. 27 shows an illustrative front view of the first electronic deviceof FIG. 1 displaying app icons of the second electronic device of FIG.5A, according to another embodiment; and

FIG. 28 depicts a flow chart illustrating a method for inductivelycharging an electronic device using an external electronic device. Themethod may be performed on the electronic devices as shown in FIGS.1-27.

It is noted that the drawings of the invention are not necessarily toscale. The drawings are intended to depict only typical aspects of theinvention, and therefore should not be considered as limiting the scopeof the invention. In the drawings, like numbering represents likeelements between the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to representative embodimentsillustrated in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood thatthe following descriptions are not intended to limit the embodiments toone preferred embodiment. To the contrary, it is intended to coveralternatives, modifications, and equivalents as can be included withinthe spirit and scope of the described embodiments, as defined by theappended claims.

The following disclosure relates generally to electronic devices andmore particularly to an electronic device configured to inductivelycharge at least one external electronic device and methods ofinductively charging at least one electronic device using an externalelectronic device.

An electronic device may include an inductive coil, which may beconfigured to be in electrical communication with an external inductivecoil of an external electronic device. In some cases, the inductivecoils are wirelessly and inductively coupled. The wirelessly coupledinductive coils may act as transmitting coils and/or receiving coilscapable of transmitting power between the two electronic devices. Insome cases, the transmission of power may increase a charge of a batteryof a first electronic device that is receiving the power, whilesimultaneously decreasing the charge of a battery of a second electronicdevice that is transmitting the power.

Using the inductive coils, the battery of a first electronic device maybe charged using the second external electronic device. As such, only asingle power cord (connected to the second external electronic device)or no power cords may be needed to charge multiple devices that includeinductive coils that are wirelessly coupled across the devices.

These and other embodiments are discussed below with reference to FIGS.1-28. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that thedetailed description given herein with respect to these figures is forexplanatory purposes only and should not be construed as limiting.

FIG. 1 shows an illustrative front view of one example of an electronicdevice 100 including at least one inductive coil 112. In the illustratedembodiment, first electronic device 100 is implemented as a portableelectronic device, in particular, a mobile phone. As discussed herein,other embodiments can implement first electronic device 100 differently,such as, for example, as a notebook or desktop computer, a tabletcomputing device, a gaming device, a display, a digital music player, awearable computing device or display, a health monitoring device, and soon.

First electronic device 100 includes an enclosure 102 at least partiallysurrounding a display 104 and one or more buttons 106 or other userinput devices formed or positioned on a front surface 108 of firstelectronic device 100. In some embodiments, the device 100 includesmultiple user input devices including the buttons 106 and atouch-sensitive display screen. The user input devices may be used toprovide user input to an operating system or other software beingexecuted on the device 100. The user input devices may be operativelycoupled to a battery or other power source

In some embodiments, the device 100 may also include one or more audiocomponents, including, for example, a microphone and/or a speaker. Theone or more audio components may be configured to produce an audiooutput and/or receive an audio input. In some embodiments, the speakermay be disposed or positioned within the enclosure 102 and electricallycoupled to the battery 120 (shown in FIG. 2). Similarly, the microphonemay be disposed or positioned within the enclosure 102 and electricallycoupled to the battery 120.

The enclosure 102 can form an outer surface or partial outer surface andprotective case for the internal components of the first electronicdevice 100 and may at least partially surround display 104. In somecases, the enclosure 102 defines an opening in which the display 104 ispositioned or disposed. The enclosure 102 can be formed from one or morecomponents operably connected together, such as a front piece and a backpiece. Alternatively, enclosure 102 can be formed of a single piececonnected to or coupled with the display 104. Additionally, enclosure102 may be formed from a variety of material including, but not limitedto: plastic, glass, sapphire, metal, and/or any combination of variousmaterials. Enclosure 102 may also include a frame 110 or bezel portionsubstantially surrounding and/or outlining display 104. Frame 110 ofenclosure 102 may indicate the interactive portion of the display 104and may be opaque to hide internal components of the first electronicdevice 100.

Display 104 may be implemented with any suitable technology, including,but not limited to, a liquid-crystal display (LCD) technology,light-emitting diode (LED) technology, organic light-emitting display(OLED) technology, organic electroluminescence (OEL) technology, oranother type of display technology. In some embodiments, a multi-touchsensing touchscreen or touch sensor may be incorporated with the display104. For example, a touchscreen or touch sensor may be positioned overor integrated with the display 104. In a non-limiting example, asubstantially transparent cover or sheet may be positioned above thedisplay 104 and/or the touchscreen or touch sensor. In some embodiments,the cover may protect display 104 from contaminants, withoutsignificantly obstructing a user's view and/or significantly limit anability to interact with the touchscreen or touch sensor of the firstelectronic device 100.

Button 106 may be configured to function as a user input device forfirst electronic device 100. In some cases, the button 106 may includean actuation component in electronic and/or mechanical communicationwith the internal components of first electronic device 100, to provideuser input and/or allow the user to interact with the various functionsof first electronic device 100. In some embodiments, the button 106 maybe configured as a single button component surrounded by a portion ofthe frame 110 of the enclosure 102. As shown in FIG. 1, the button maybe positioned relative to an exterior surface of first electronic device100.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, first electronic device 100 may also includeat least one inductive coil 112 positioned or disposed within enclosure102. Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, first electronic device100 may include a single inductive coil 112 positioned substantially inthe center of first electronic device 100 and within the enclosure 102,such that inductive coil 112 is not exposed. Inductive coil 112 may alsobe positioned under or beneath display 104 of first electronic device100. As shown in FIG. 1, and discussed herein, inductive coil 112 may bepositioned within enclosure 102, and may be in electrical communicationwith an external inductive coil of an external electronic device throughdisplay 104 and/or front surface 108 of first electronic device 100.Additionally as discussed herein, inductive coil 112 may be configuredas a two-way coil, a transmit coil for transmitting power from firstelectronic device 100, and a receive coil for receiving or obtainingpower for first electronic device 100. The phantom circle representinginductive coil 112 in FIG. 1 may be merely an example location of theinductive coil 112 within first electronic device 100. The position ofthe inductive coil 112 may vary within the enclosure 102 and, in somecases, multiple inductive coils 112 may be located within the enclosure102. As shown in FIG. 1 and described in more detail below with respectto FIG. 2, multiple alignment magnets 124 may also be positioned withinthe enclosure 102.

FIG. 2 shows a front view of first electronic device 100 with display(item 104 of FIG. 1) omitted to expose an internal cavity of enclosure102 (shown in FIG. 1). In the non-limiting example shown in FIG. 2,inductive coil 112 may be formed from a conductor, such as a wire thatmay be concentrically wrapped around to form a set of loops or a spiralshape. The wire may be positioned on or formed on an electricalsubstrate 118 (e.g., a circuit board), that may be utilized toelectrically couple and/or connect the inductive coil 112 to otherdistinct components of first electronic device 100. The wire forminginductive coil 112 may be formed from various conductive materials, forexample metal. However, it is understood that inductive coil 112 offirst electronic device 100 may be formed from any suitable material andmay be configured in a variety of geometries to allow the transfer ofpower to or from first electronic device 100, as discussed herein.

First electronic device 100 may also include a battery 120 positionedwithin enclosure 102. In some embodiments, the battery 120 may beoperatively coupled to components of first electronic device 100 toprovide electrical power. In some embodiments, the battery 120 isoperatively coupled to the display (item 104 of FIG. 1) and/or thecontroller 122 of first electronic device 100. The battery 120 may alsobe operatively coupled to a user input device, microphone, speaker,controller, or other component or subsystem of first electronic device100. As shown in FIG. 2, battery 120 may be positioned within enclosure102 and may be in electrical communication with or otherwise operativelycoupled to the inductive coil 112 of first electronic device 100. Asdiscussed herein, inductive coil 112 may be in electrical communicationwith battery 120 to transmit power to or from battery 120 to increasethe charge of battery 120 or to decrease the charge of battery 120 inorder to increase the charge in an external battery of an externalelectronic device in communication with first electronic device 100.Battery 120 may be utilized to power various components or systems offirst electronic device 100.

As shown in FIG. 2, a controller 122 may also be positioned withinenclosure 102 of first electronic device 100. Controller 122 may be inelectrical communication with inductive coil 112 of first electronicdevice 100 to control the operational mode of inductive coil 112. Thatis, controller 122 may be in electrical communication with inductivecoil 112 to adjust the operational mode between a power receiving modeor a power transmitting mode. When inductive coil 112 is adjusted to apower receiving mode, inductive coil 112 may be configured as areceiving coil and may receive power to increase a charge of battery120. In power transmitting mode, inductive coil 112 may be configured asa transmit coil, and may transmit power from first electronic device100, which may decrease the charge of battery 120 and/or draw power froman external source, such as a wall outlet.

Also shown in FIG. 2, controller 122 may be coupled to or in electricalcommunication with battery 120 for monitoring the charge of battery 120.Although not shown, controller 122 may be in electrical communicationwith distinct internal components of first electronic device 100. In anon-limiting example, controller 122 may be coupled to a largercomputing or processing system that may control the functionality offirst electronic device 100. In another non-limiting embodiment,controller 122 may be integrated with and/or may be configured as aportion of a larger computing or processing system of first electronicdevice 100. Controller 122 may be formed from any suitable electroniccomponent that may be configured to adjust the operational mode ofinductive coil 112 and/or may monitor the charge of battery 120, suchas, a microcontroller or a microprocessor.

As shown in FIG. 2, first electronic device 100 may also include atleast one alignment magnet 124 positioned adjacent inductive coil 112.As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, first electronic device 100 may include agroup of alignment magnets 124 positioned adjacent to inductive coil 112of first electronic device 100. Two alignment magnets 124 may bepositioned on opposite sides or ends of inductive coil 112.Additionally, an alignment magnet 124 may be positioned within thecenter of inductive coil 112, such that the wires of inductive coil 112substantially surround alignment magnet 124 of first electronic device100. Attractive forces between the alignment magnets 124 of firstelectronic device 100 and magnets of an external device may be used toalign inductive coil 112 with an external inductive coil of the externalelectronic device, which may facilitate the transmission of powerbetween inductive coil 112 and the external inductive coil. Alignmentmagnets 124 may be formed from any suitable material that has magneticor electromagnetic properties.

FIG. 3 shows a back view of first electronic device 100. Firstelectronic device 100 may have a camera 126 positioned on back surface128. That is, camera 126 may be positioned on back surface 128 (oppositefront surface 108 having display 104 of first electronic device 100, asdepicted in FIG. 1). Camera 126 may include any suitable camera deviceand/or system that may take photos and/or videos using first electronicdevice 100.

As shown in FIG. 3, and discussed herein with respect to FIG. 1,inductive coil 112 may be positioned within enclosure 102. As discussedherein, inductive coil 112 may be in electrical communication with anexternal inductive coil of an external electronic device through backsurface 128 of first electronic device 100. For example, the inductivecoil 112, positioned within enclosure 102, may be configured to bewirelessly and inductively coupled with an external electronic devicethrough back surface 128 of electronic device. As shown in FIG. 3, oneor more alignment magnets 124 may also be disposed relative to backsurface 128 of first electronic device 100.

FIGS. 4A-4C depict cross-sectional side views of first electronic device100 including inductive coil 112. Inductive coil 112 and alignmentmagnets 124 may be positioned in a variety of positions within enclosure102 of first electronic device 100. In a non-limiting embodiment shownin FIG. 4A, inductive coil 112 and alignment magnets 124 may be coupleddirectly to display 104 of first electronic device 100, adjacent frontsurface 108. When positioned adjacent front surface 108 and/or coupledto display 104, inductive coil 112 may provide an increased powertransmission to an external inductive coil in an external electronicdevice when front surface 108 is positioned directly adjacent to theexternal inductive coil, as discussed herein. However, it is understoodthat inductive coil 112 coupled to display 104 may still transmit powerthrough back surface 128 of first electronic device 100.

In another non-limiting embodiment shown in FIG. 4B, inductive coil 112and alignment magnets 124 may be coupled directly to enclosure 102 offirst electronic device 100. As shown in FIG. 4B, inductive coil 112 andalignment magnets 124 may be coupled to enclosure 102 adjacent backsurface 128, and opposite display 104 and/or front surface 108.Inductive coil 112 positioned adjacent back surface 128 may transmitpower through display 104 of first electronic device 100. However,inductive coil 112 may transmit an increased amount of power throughback surface 128, when compared to the power transmission throughdisplay 104 and/or front surface 108.

In an additional non-limiting embodiment shown in FIG. 4C, inductivecoil 112 and alignment magnets 124 may be positioned between, and offsetfrom, the front surface 108 and back surface 128. In some embodiments,the inductive coil 112 and alignment magnets 124 may be positioned on orrelative to an internal structure, such as a mid plate 131 as shown inFIG. 4C. In some cases, the inductive coil 112 and alignment magnets 124may be positioned between front surface 108 and back surface 128 suchthat power transmission from and/or to inductive coil 112 may beapproximately equal through front surface 108 and back surface 128.

The examples of FIGS. 4A-C depict the alignment magnets 124 and theinductive coil 112 as being substantially aligned or planar. However, itis understood that alignment magnets 124 may be positioned within aportion of enclosure 102 that is distinct or non-planar with respect toinductive coil 112. In a non-limiting example, not shown, inductive coil112 may be directly adjacent to front surface 108 and/or display 104,and alignment magnets 124 may be directly adjacent to back surface 128.In the non-limiting embodiment, and as discussed herein, alignmentmagnets 124 may facilitate alignment of inductive coil 112 and anexternal inductive coil of an external electronic device to provide anoptimum power transmission between first electronic device 100 and anexternal electronic device.

FIGS. 5A and 5B show front and back views, respectively, of secondelectronic device 200 including inductive coils 212 a, 212 b, 212 c. Ina non-limiting example embodiment as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, secondelectronic device 200 may be formed as a tablet computing device. Secondelectronic device 200 may include substantially similar components asfirst electronic device 100, such as enclosure 202, display 204, camera226, button 206 and other user input devices, and the like. Secondelectronic device 200 may also include an audio element, such as aspeaker and/or a microphone. It is understood that similarly numberedand/or named components may function in a substantially similar fashion.Redundant explanation of these components has been omitted for clarity.

Second electronic device 200 may include a group of inductive coils 212a, 212 b, 212 c positioned or disposed within enclosure 202. As shown inFIGS. 5A and 5B, the group of inductive coils 212 a, 212 b, and 212 cmay be positioned throughout enclosure 202. In a non-limiting example,each of the group of inductive coils 212 a, 212 b, and 212 c may bepositioned within the boundaries of display 204, and/or within frame 210of electronic device 200. Additionally, in a non-limiting example, asshown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the group of inductive coils 212 a, 212 b, and212 c may be evenly spaced and positioned substantially in the center ofsecond electronic device 200 and inductive coil 212 b may be positionedbetween inductive coils 212 a, 212 c.

As shown in FIG. 5A, second electronic device 200 may also include agroup of alignment magnets 224 positioned adjacent each of the group ofinductive coils 212 a, 212 b, 212 c. Similar to FIGS. 1-3, inductivecoils 212 a, 212 c may have two alignment magnets 224 positioned onopposite sides of inductive coils 212 a, 212 c, and an alignment magnet224 positioned within and/or surrounded by inductive coils 212 a, 212 c.As shown in FIG. 5A, alignment magnets 224 in second electronic device200 may be positioned on opposite sides of the inductive coils 212 a,212 c.

In a non-limiting example, the inductive coil 212 b may include fourdistinct alignment magnets 224. As shown in FIG. 5A, four distinctalignment magnets 224 may substantially surround inductive coil 212 b onfour sides. As discussed herein, the inclusion of four distinctalignment magnets 224 in second electronic device 200 may allow anexternal electronic device to be coupled to second electronic device 200and/or alignment magnets 224 in multiple orientations or positions.

FIGS. 6A and 6B show a top and bottom view, respectively, of a thirdelectronic device 300. Third electronic device 300 may be a portable orwearable electronic device 300, including a health monitoring device(hereafter, “third electronic device”). Third electronic device 300, asshown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, may be configured to provide health-relatedinformation or data such as but not limited to heart rate data, bloodpressure data, temperature data, oxygen level data, diet/nutritioninformation, medical reminders, health-related tips or information, orother health-related data. Third electronic device 300 may optionallyconvey the health-related information to a separate electronic devicesuch as a tablet computing device, phone, personal digital assistant,computer, and so on. Additionally or alternatively, the third electronicdevice 300 may provide additional information, such as, but not limitedto, time, date, health, statuses, or externally connected orcommunicating devices, and/or software executing on such devices,messages, video, operating commands, and so forth (and may receive anyof the foregoing from an external device in addition to othercommunications).

Third electronic device 300 may include an enclosure 302 at leastpartially surrounding a display 304 and one or more buttons 306, crowns308 or input devices. The enclosure 302 may form an outer surface orpartial outer surface and protective case for the internal components ofthird electronic device 300, and may at least partially surround thedisplay 304. The enclosure 302 may include an opening in which thedisplay 304 is positioned or disposed. The enclosure 302 may be formedof one or more components operably connected together, such as a frontpiece and a back piece. Alternatively, the enclosure 302 may be formedof a single piece connected to or coupled with the display 304.Enclosure 302 may be formed from one or more materials including, butnot limited to: plastic, glass, sapphire, metal, and/or other variousmaterials or combinations of materials.

Third electronic device 300 may also have a wearable band 310 (partiallyshown in FIGS. 6A and 6B) coupled to enclosure 302. Wearable band 310may be used to secure third electronic device 300 to a user, or anyother object capable of receiving electronic device 300. In anon-limiting example where third electronic device 300 is a watch,wearable band 310 may secure the watch to a user's wrist. In othernon-limiting examples, third electronic device 300 may secure the watchto or within another part of a user's body.

Display 304 may be implemented with any suitable technology, including,but not limited to, liquid-crystal display (LCD) technology,light-emitting diode (LED) technology, organic light-emitting display(OLED) technology, organic electroluminescence (OEL) technology, oranother type of display technology. In some embodiments, the display 304may also include a multi-touch sensing touchscreen and/or a touch sensorthat is configured to receive touch input from the user. In someembodiments, the touch screen or touch sensor is incorporated with thedisplay 304 and may be, for example, disposed above or integrated withthe display 304.

The third electronic device 300 also includes one or more user inputdevices, including button 306, crown 308, and/or a touch sensor disposedrelative to or positioned on an exterior surface of third electronicdevice 300. In some cases, the button 306 and/or crown 308 may includean actuation component in electronic and/or mechanical communicationwith the internal components of third electronic device 300 to provideuser input and/or allow the user to interact with the various functionsof third electronic device 300. Button 306 may likewise include asensor, such as a biometric sensor, touch sensor, or the like. Crown 308may be a rotatable and/or actuated input device for interacting withthird electronic device 300. Third electronic device 300 may alsoinclude other forms of user I/O including an audio element, such as aspeaker and/or a microphone.

As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, third electronic device 300 may alsoinclude an inductive coil 312. Third electronic device 300 may include asingle inductive coil 312 positioned within enclosure 302. As shown inFIGS. 6A and 6B and as discussed herein, inductive coil 312 may be inelectrical communication (e.g., wirelessly coupled) through display 304(see, FIG. 6A) and/or through the back charging plate 330 (see, FIG. 6B)of third electronic device 300.

Third electronic device 300 may also include a single alignment magnet324. As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the single alignment magnet 324 may bepositioned within and/or may be substantially surrounded by inductivecoil 312 of third electronic device 300. As a result of the size ofthird electronic device 300, only a single alignment magnet 324 may beincluded within electronic device 300. However, it is understood thatthird electronic device 300 may include a group of alignment magnets324.

FIG. 7A shows a top view of a fourth electronic device 400. In anon-limiting example embodiment as shown in FIG. 7A, fourth electronicdevice 400 may be formed as a portable computing device, such as anotebook computer. Fourth electronic device 400 may have an enclosure ortop case 440 for housing and/or protecting the internal components offourth electronic device 400. Fourth electronic device 400 may also havea group of keys 442 protruding through top case 440 forming a keyboarduser input device. The group of keys 442 may be utilized to allow a userto interact with fourth electronic device 400. A track pad 444 may alsobe positioned within top case 440 of fourth electronic device 400. Trackpad 444 may be positioned adjacent the group of keys 442 of fourthelectronic device 400. Track pad 444, like the group of keys 442, mayallow a user to interact with fourth electronic device 400. Fourthelectronic device 400 may also include other components for performinguser I/O including an audio element, such as a speaker and/or amicrophone.

Fourth electronic device 400 may also include a display 404 and adisplay case 446. Display case 446 may form an exterior housing and/orprotective enclosure for display 404 of fourth electronic device 400.Display 404 may provide a visual output to a user of fourth electronicdevice 400.

Fourth electronic device 400 may also include a group of inductive coils412 a, 412 b, 412 c positioned within top case 440. As shown in FIG. 7A,the group of inductive coils 412 a, 412 b, 412 c may be evenly spacedwithin top case 440, adjacent the group of keys 442. Inductive coils 412a, 412 c may be positioned on either side of track pad 444 and inductivecoil 412 b may be positioned below and/or aligned with track pad 444.Each of the group of inductive coils 412 a, 412 b, and 412 c may be inelectrical communication with external inductive coils of an externalelectronic device through top case 440, as discussed herein.

FIG. 7B shows a top view of fourth electronic device 400 in a closedconfiguration. In a closed configuration, display case 446 may becoupled to top case 440 of fourth electronic device 400 and maysubstantially cover the group of keys 442. As shown in FIG. 7B, displaycase 446 may also include a group of inductive coils 412. The inductivecoils 412 positioned within display case 446 may be positioned betweendisplay 404 (see, FIG. 7A) and the outer surface of display case 446.The group of inductive coils 412 positioned within display case 446 maybe evenly distributed through display case 446. As similarly discussedherein, each of the group of inductive coils 412 within display case 446may be in electrical communication with external inductive coils of anexternal electronic device through display case 446, as discussedherein.

Fourth electronic device 400 may or may not include alignment magnets.In the non-limiting embodiments shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, fourthelectronic device 400 does not include alignment magnets. In othernon-limiting examples, not currently depicted, each of the inductivecoils 412 of fourth electronic device 400 may include at least onealignment magnet. As discussed herein, the alignment magnets that may beformed within fourth electronic device 400 may be utilized to alignexternal inductive coils of an external electronic device with inductivecoils 412 of fourth electronic device 400.

FIG. 8 shows a front view of a fifth electronic device 500. Fifthelectronic device 500 may be a protective case or cover for a mobilephone or other portable electronic device. Fifth electronic device 500may be configured to at least partially surround an enclosure of aportable electronic device and provide additional protection againstphysical impact, abrasive contact, exposure to water, and/or otherpotentially damaging events. Thus, fifth electronic device 500 istypically used as an accessory and paired with another, separateportable electronic device to provide protection.

Fifth electronic device 500 may include an enclosure 502 that isconfigured to at least partially surround another, separate portableelectronic device. The enclosure 502 may form an outer surface orpartial outer surface and protective case for the internal components offifth electronic device 500 and the separate portable device that isinstalled or positioned within fifth electronic device 500. Theenclosure 502 may include one or more coupling features 504 that areconfigured to engage with the separate portable device that is installedor positioned within fifth electronic device 500. The coupling features504 may include spring-loaded or compliant clips that are configured toattach a separate portable device to fifth electronic device 500. Thecoupling features 504 may also provide an alignment or fixed positioningof the two devices with respect to each other.

The enclosure 502 may be formed of one or more components operablyconnected together, such as a front piece and a back piece. The one ormore components of the enclosure 502 may form a cavity or recess inwhich the internal components are positioned. Fifth electronic device500 may be formed from materials and components that are particularlysuited for withstanding a drop event when another portable electronicdevice, such as a mobile phone, is installed or inserted into fifthelectronic device 500. Enclosure 502 may be formed from a group ofdistinct materials including, but not limited to: plastic, elastomer,carbon composite, metal, and/or other various materials or combinationsof materials.

Fifth electronic device 500 may also include one or more user inputdevices, including buttons, keys, or a touch sensor disposed relative toor positioned on an exterior surface of the enclosure 502. Fifthelectronic device 500 may also include one or more mechanical actuatorsthat are configured to translate user input to an actuator or user-inputdevice located on the separate electronic device that is installed orheld within fifth electronic device 500. In some alternativeembodiments, fifth electronic device 500 includes a keyboard or otheruser input device similar to the group of keys 442 of the keyboard offourth electronic device 400 depicted in FIG. 7A.

As shown in FIG. 8, fifth electronic device 500 may also include aninductive coil 512 that is configured to transmit and/or receivewireless power to/from another device. The inductive coil 512 ispositioned within enclosure 502 and may be operatively coupled to aninternal battery and/or other electronic circuitry. The inductive coil512 may be in electrical communication (e.g., wirelessly coupled)through the surface 528 of fifth electronic device 500.

Although not shown in FIGS. 5A-8, it is understood that each ofelectronic devices 200, 300, 400, 500 may include a controller and abattery as similarly discussed herein with respect to first electronicdevice 100 in FIG. 2. That is, second electronic device 200, thirdelectronic device 300, fourth electronic device 400, and fifthelectronic device 500 may also include a controller for adjusting theoperational mode of the inductive coil(s) in the electronic device andbattery for powering the electronic device.

FIGS. 9A-21 depict various embodiments of at least two electronicdevices in electrical communication for transmitting power between theelectronic devices and/or for inductively charging one electronic deviceby another electronic device. In the following examples, reference maybe made to two (or more) inductive coils that are aligned orsubstantially aligned with each other. In some cases, only a singleoutline or shape may be depicted in a corresponding figure, which mayrepresent the two (or more) inductive coils. In these cases, multipleitem numbers may refer to the same outline or shape, although it isunderstood that there are actually the two (or more) inductive coils inthe same aligned position but positioned in different planes of theircorresponding devices. Multiple concentric or overlapping shapes thatmay correspond to the separate inductive coils are omitted for clarity.

FIGS. 9A and 9B depict first electronic device 100 and fifth electronicdevice 500 which may be coupled to wirelessly exchange power with eachother using a pair of inductive coils. In the examples of FIGS. 9A and9B, fifth electronic device 500 may form a protective cover or case fora separate portable device, such as first electronic device 100. FIG. 9Adepicts first electronic device 100 being installed or positioned withinfifth electronic device 500. In some implementations, first electronicdevice 100 may be installed by pressing the first electronic device 100into the coupling features 504 of fifth electronic device 500. Thecoupling features 504 may secure the two devices together as well asprovide alignment between the devices.

FIG. 9B depicts a top view of first electronic device 100 positionedwithin fifth electronic device 500. First electronic device 100 may bein electrical communication with fifth electronic device 500. Backsurface 128 (see FIG. 3) of first electronic device 100 may bepositioned on and/or may contact the surface 528 of fifth electronicdevice 500. When positioned on the surface 528 of fifth electronicdevice 500, inductive coils 112 of first electronic device 100 may bealigned with and/or in electrical communication with inductive coil 512of fifth electronic device 500. When in electrical communication, therespective inductive coils 112, 512 may transmit power between theelectronic devices 100, 500.

In order to transmit power between electronic devices 100, 500, theoperational modes of the electrically communicative inductive coils 112,512 may be distinct from one another. In the non-limiting example, asshown in FIG. 9B, electronic device 500 may transmit power to electronicdevice 100. In the non-limiting example, inductive coil 112 ofelectronic device 100 may be in power receiving mode, and may act as areceiving coil. Additionally, inductive coil 512 of electronic device500, in electrical communication with inductive coil 112, may be in apower transmitting mode, and may act as a transmitting coil. Once inelectrical communication via inductive coils 112, 512, fifth electronicdevice 500 may provide power to first electronic device 100. As a resultof providing power from fifth electronic device 500 to first electronicdevice 100, a charge of battery 120 of first electronic device 100 (see,FIG. 2) may increase while a charge of the battery of fifth electronicdevice 500 (not shown) may decrease. The power provided to firstelectronic device 100 for charging battery 120 may be provided from thebattery of fifth electronic device 500.

In another non-limiting embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10, firstelectronic device 100 may be in electrical communication with secondelectronic device 200. Back surface 128 (see FIG. 3) of first electronicdevice 100 may be positioned on and/or may contact front surface 208 ofsecond electronic device 200. When positioned on front surface 208 ofsecond electronic device 200, inductive coils 112 of first electronicdevice 100 may be aligned with and/or in electrical communication withinductive coil 212 b of second electronic device 200. When in electricalcommunication, the respective inductive coils 112, 212 b may transmitpower between electronic devices 100, 200.

In order to transmit power between electronic devices 100, 200, theoperational modes of the electrically communicative inductive coils 112,212 b may be distinct from one another. In the non-limiting example, asshown in FIG. 10, electronic device 200 may transmit power to electronicdevice 100. In the non-limiting example, inductive coil 112 ofelectronic device 100 may be in power receiving mode, and may act as areceiving coil. Additionally, inductive coil 212 b of electronic device200, in electrical communication with inductive coil 112, may be in apower transmitting mode, and may act as a transmitting coil. Once inelectrical communication via inductive coils 112, 212 b, secondelectronic device 200 may provide power to first electronic device 100.As a result of providing power from second electronic device 200 tofirst electronic device 100, a charge of battery 120 of first electronicdevice 100 (see, FIG. 2) may increase while a charge of the battery ofsecond electronic device 200 (not shown) may decrease. The powerprovided to first electronic device 100 for charging battery 120 may beprovided from the battery of second electronic device 200.

Prior to transmitting power between electronic devices 100, 200, therespective inductive coils 112, 212 b may be aligned using alignmentmagnets 124, 224. As shown in FIG. 11, alignment magnet 124 of firstelectronic device 100 may be magnetically attracted to and/or may bemagnetically coupled to alignment magnets 224 positioned adjacentinductive coil 212 b of second electronic device 200. The magneticcoupling of the alignment magnets 124, 224 of respective electronicdevices 100, 200 may provide a desired coupling and/or alignment forinductive coils 112, 212 b when transmitting power.

FIG. 12 shows another non-limiting example of two electronic devices inelectrical communication for transmitting power or data between theelectronic devices and/or for inductively charging one electronic deviceusing another electronic device. As shown in FIG. 12, inductive coil 112of first electronic device 100 may be coupled to inductive coil 212 a ofsecond electronic device 200. As a result of being coupled to inductivecoil 212 a of second electronic device 200 and/or the position ofalignment magnets 124, 224 within respective electronic devices 100, 200(see, FIGS. 1-3, 5A), first electronic device 100 may be orientedsideways with respect to second electronic device 200 when inductivecoil 112 is in electrical communication with inductive coil 212 a. Thatis, the position of alignment magnets 124, 224 within respectiveelectronic devices 100, 200 may determine the orientation of firstelectronic device 100 when positioned on or in contact with secondelectronic device 200. As discussed herein, by positioning firstelectronic device 100 on second electronic device 200 such thatinductive coil 112 is in electrical communication with 212 a, themajority of display 204 of second electronic device 200 may still bevisible and/or interacted with by the user.

In the non-limiting example as shown in FIG. 12, first electronic device100 may transmit power to second electronic device 200. Inductive coil112 of electronic device 100 may be in a power transmitting mode and mayact as a transmitting coil. Additionally, inductive coil 212 a of secondelectronic device 200 in electrical communication with inductive coil112 may be in a power receiving mode and may act as a receiving coil.Once in electrical communication via inductive coils 112, 212 a, firstelectronic device 100 may provide power to second electronic device 200.As a result of providing power from first electronic device 100 tosecond electronic device 200, a charge of battery 120 of firstelectronic device 100 (see, FIG. 2) may decrease while a charge of thebattery of second electronic device 200 (not shown) may increase. Thepower provided to second electronic device 200 for charging the batteryof second electronic device 200 may be provided from the battery offirst electronic device 100.

FIG. 13 shows another, non-limiting example embodiment. As shown in FIG.13, multiple electronic devices may be positioned on and/or in contactwith second electronic device 200. As shown in FIG. 13, first electronicdevice 100 and third electronic device 300 may be positioned on oradjacent to second electronic device 200. First electronic device 100and third electronic device 300 may be positioned on back surface 228 ofsecond electronic device 200. As shown in FIG. 13, first electronicdevice 100 may be positioned substantially in the center of secondelectronic device 200, such that inductive coil 112 of first electronicdevice 100 is in electrical communication with inductive coil 212 b ofsecond electronic device 200.

Additionally, as shown in FIG. 13, third electronic device 300 may bepositioned on second electronic device 200 such that inductive coil 312of third electronic device 300 may be in electrical communication withinductive coil 212 a of second electronic device 200. As similarlydiscussed herein, inductive coil 312 of third electronic device 300 maybe aligned with inductive coil 212 a of second electronic device 200using alignment magnets 224, 324. However, as a result of thirdelectronic device 300 having only a single alignment magnet 324positioned within and/or substantially surrounded by inductive coil 312,inductive coils 312, 212 a may be aligned only using a single,respective alignment magnet 224, 324 of respective electronic devices200, 300.

In a non-limiting example, second electronic device 200 may transmitpower to both first electronic device 100 and third electronic device300. As a result, inductive coils 212 a, 212 b of second electronicdevice 200 may transmit power and may act as a transmit coil andinductive coils 112, 312 of first and third electronic devices 100, 300,respectively, may receive power and may act as receiving coils.

However, it is understood that the electronic devices 100, 200, 300shown in FIG. 13 may transmit power in various manners through alldifferent electronic devices. In an additional non-limiting example,first electronic device 100 may transmit power to second electronicdevice 200 and second electronic device 200 may transmit power to thirdelectronic device 300. In the additional non-limiting example, inductivecoils 112, 212 a of first and second electronic device 100, 200,respectively, may transmit power and may act as a transmit coils andinductive coils 212 b, 312 of second and third electronic devices 200,300 may receive power and may act as receiving coils.

FIG. 14 shows a further, non-limiting example of multiple electronicdevices configured to inductively charge at least one of the electronicdevices. As shown in FIG. 14, third electronic device 300 may contactand/or be positioned on front surface 108 of first electronic device100. First electronic device 100 may be positioned on and/or may contactfront surface 208 of second electronic device 200. In the non-limitingexample shown in FIG. 14, inductive coils 112, 212 a, 312 may all bealigned and in electrical communication with the adjacent inductive coilor with each of the aligned inductive coils. Inductive coil 312 of thirdelectronic device 300 may be in electrical communication with inductivecoil 112 of first electronic device 100. In the example, inductive coil312 may also be in electrical communication with inductive coil 212 a ofsecond electronic device 200. Additionally, in the further, non-limitingexample as shown in FIG. 14, inductive coil 112 of first electronicdevice 100 may be in electrical communication with both inductive coil312 and 212 a.

As a result of the electrical communication formed between first,second, and third electronic devices 100, 200, 300, power may betransmitted through the electronic devices in any manner. For example,second electronic device 200 may transmit power to increase the chargeof battery 120 (see FIG. 2) of first electronic device 100 andsimultaneously increase the charge of the battery (not shown) of thirdelectronic device 300. In the example, first electronic device 100 maynot only receive power, but may also transmit and/or leak a portion ofthe received power to third electronic device 300. As such, inductivecoil 212 a of second electronic device 200 may transmit power and act asa transmit coil and inductive coil 312 of third electronic device 300may receive power and act as a receiving coil. Inductive coil 112 offirst electronic device 100 may continuously alternate between atransmit coil for transmitting power to third electronic device 300 anda receive coil for receiving power from second electronic device 200.

FIGS. 15-20 show a variety of non-limiting examples including fourthelectronic device 400 and one or more external electronic devices inelectrical communication for transmitting power between the electronicdevices and/or for inductively charging one electronic device by anotherelectronic device. As shown in FIG. 15, first electronic device 100 maybe positioned on and/or may contact top case 440 of fourth electronicdevice 400. Inductive coil 112 of first electronic device 100 may bealigned with and in electrical communication with inductive coil 412 apositioned within top case 440 of fourth electronic device 400. Asdiscussed herein, inductive coils 112, 412 a may be in electricalcommunication to charge the battery for a respective electronic device100, 400.

FIG. 16 shows another, non-limiting example, where first electronicdevice 100 may be positioned on and/or may contact track pad 444 formedin top case 440 of fourth electronic device 400. Inductive coil 112 offirst electronic device 100 may be aligned with and in electricalcommunication with inductive coil 412 b positioned below track pad 444of fourth electronic device 400. As discussed herein, inductive coils112, 412 b may be in electrical communication to charge the battery ofrespective electronic devices 100, 400. Additionally, in thenon-limiting example shown in FIG. 16, as a result of first electronicdevice 100 substantially covering track pad 444 of fourth electronicdevice 400, the touchscreen or touch sensor of the display 104 may beused as a substitute input for track pad 444. In some embodiments, firstelectronic device 100 and fourth electronic device 400 may not onlypower but may also transmit data such that the touchscreen or touchsensor of the display 104 may receive touch input as a substitute fortrack pad 444 of fourth electronic device 400 (when inductive coil 112is in electrical communication with inductive coil 412 b). Byconfiguring display 104 of first electronic device 100 to function astrack pad 444, first electronic device 100 and fourth electronic device400 may be in electrical communication to inductively charge the batteryof one of the respective devices while also allowing a user to interactwith fourth electronic device 400 using track pad 444 functionality viathe display 104.

FIG. 17 shows an additional, non-limiting example of multiple electronicdevices. As shown in FIG. 17, first electronic device 100 may bepositioned on and/or may contact top case 440 of fourth electronicdevice 400. Inductive coil 112 of first electronic device 100 may bealigned with and in electrical communication with inductive coil 412 apositioned within top case 440 of fourth electronic device 400.Additionally, third electronic device 300 may be positioned on andcontact top case 440, opposite first electronic device 100. As shown inFIG. 17, inductive coil 312 of third electronic device 300 may bealigned with and in electrical communication within inductive coil 412 cpositioned within top case 440 of fourth electronic device 400. Asdiscussed herein, inductive coils 112, 312, 412 a, 412 c may be inelectrical communication to charge the battery for respective electronicdevices 100, 300, 400.

FIG. 18 shows multiple electronic devices 100, 300 positioned on and/orcontacting display case 446 of fourth electronic device 400. Theelectronic devices 100, 300 may be spaced apart and positioned ondisplay case 446 of fourth electronic device 400. As shown in FIG. 18,inductive coil 112 of first electronic device 100 may be in electricalcommunication with an inductive coil 412 positioned within display case446. Additionally, inductive coil 312 of third electronic device 300 maybe in electrical communication with an external, inductive coil 412positioned within display case 446 of fourth electronic device 400.

FIGS. 19 and 20 show other non-limiting example embodiments of amultiple electronic devices 100, 200, 300 positioned on and/orcontacting display case 446 of fourth electronic device 400. As shown inFIG. 19, first electronic device 100 may be positioned on and/or maycontact fourth electronic device 400, and third electronic device 300may be positioned on and/or may contact first electronic device 100. Assimilarly discussed herein, inductive coils 112, 312, 412 may be alignedand in electrical communication for transmitting power through at leastone of electronic devices 100, 300, 400. Additionally, as shown in FIG.19, second electronic device 200 may be positioned on and/or may contactdisplay case 446 of fourth electronic device 400 adjacent firstelectronic device 100 and/or third electronic device 300. Eitherinductive coil 212 a or 212 c of second electronic device 200 may bealigned with and in electrical communication with an external inductivecoil 412 positioned within display case 446 of fourth electronic device400.

FIG. 20 shows the electronic devices 100, 200, 300, 400 stacked on topof one another. As such, inductive coil 312 of third electronic device300, inductive coil 112 of first electronic device 100, inductive coil212 b of second electronic device 200, and inductive coil 412 positionedin display case 446 of fourth electronic device 400 may be substantiallyaligned and in electrical communication with an adjacent inductive coiland/or all aligned inductive coils. As similarly discussed herein, eachof the inductive coils 112, 212 b, 312, and 412 may be configured totransmit and/or receive power from an external electronic device.

Also shown in FIG. 20, fourth electronic device 400 may be electricallyconnected to a power cord 448 for charging fourth electronic device 400.Power cord 448 may be electrically connected to fourth electronic device400 for increasing the charge of the battery (not shown) of fourthelectronic device 400. In the non-limiting example as shown in FIG. 20,power cord 448 may increase the charge of the battery of fourthelectronic device 400 while fourth electronic device 400 charges thebattery of at least one of the first, second, and third electronicdevices 100, 200, 300. So long as fourth electronic device 400 isreceiving more power from power cord 448 than it is transmitting to theone or more external electronic devices 100, 200, 300, fourth electronicdevice 400 may increase the charge of its battery while simultaneouslyincreasing the charge in the battery or batteries in first, secondand/or third electronic devices 100, 200, 300.

FIG. 21 shows a front view of a sixth electronic device 600. In anon-limiting example embodiment as shown in FIG. 21, sixth electronicdevice 600 may be formed as a smart phone substantially similar to firstelectronic device 100 discussed herein. As shown in FIG. 21, sixthelectronic device 600 includes a pair of (concentric) inductive coils650, 652, which are described in more detail below with respect to FIGS.22A-B. Sixth electronic device 600 may also include one or morealignment magnets 624. It is understood that similarly numbered and/ornamed components may function in a substantially similar fashion.Redundant explanation of these components has been omitted for clarity.

In some embodiments, sixth electronic device 600 may include a firstinductive coil 650 and a second inductive coil 652. First inductive coil650 and second inductive coil 652 may be positioned concentric to oneanother. In some embodiments, the first (outer) inductive coil 650 maysubstantially encompass and/or be positioned concentrically around thesecond (inner) inductive coil 652. First inductive coil 650 may bespaced apart a distance from second inductive coil 652 to minimizeand/or eliminate electrical interference and/or noise when one or bothof first and second inductive coils 650, 652 are transmitting power.First inductive coil 650 and second inductive coil 652 may be formedfrom substantially similar materials, as discussed with respect toinductive coil 112 of FIG. 2.

FIGS. 22A and 22B depict a simplified schematic diagram of a first(inner) inductive coil 650 and a second (outer) inductive coil 652electrically communicating with one or more external inductive coils. Insome cases, one or more outer inductive coils 652 may be activated tooptimize or improve the wireless power transfer efficiency between thesets of coils. As shown in FIG. 22A, first inductive coil 650 and secondinductive coil 652 may be in electrical communication or wirelesslycoupled with a single, external inductive coil such as inductive coil112 of first electronic device 100 (see, FIGS. 1-3). The reference linesin FIG. 22A represent how first inductive coil 650 may be aligned withthe inductive coil 112 when first inductive coil 650 is in electricalcommunication with inductive coil 112. Additionally, the reference linesrepresent how second inductive coil 652 may be aligned with and may besubstantially the same size as inductive coil 112.

In some embodiments, coupling efficiency between pairs of inductivecoils may be optimal or maximized when the size of the receiving coil isless than or equal to the size of the transmitting coil. Thus, theconfiguration depicted in FIG. 22A may correspond to a scenario in whichthe first inductive coil 650 and second inductive coil 652 togetherfunction as an inductive receiver and the inductive coil 112 functionsas an inductive inductive. In some implementations, the second (outer)inductive coil 652 may be selectively operated depending on thepredicted or measured coupling efficiency with an external coil, such asthe inductive coil 112 depicted in FIG. 22A. Conversely, theconfiguration depicted in FIG. 22A may also correspond to a scenario inwhich the first inductive coil 650 and second inductive coil 652together function as an inductive inductive and the inductive coil 112functions as an inductive receiver. In some implementations, the second(outer) inductive coil 652 may be selectively operated depending on thepredicted or measured coupling efficiency with the inductive coil 112.

In general, the first inductive coil 650 and second inductive coil 652may function substantially similar to the inductive coils discussedherein. In a non-limiting example, first inductive coil 650 and secondinductive coil 652 may act as both a transmitting coil in a powertransmitting mode and a receiving coil in a power receiving mode. Firstinductive coil 650 and second inductive coil 652 may both be activatedin a transmit operation mode for transmitting power to inductive coil112. In some cases, first inductive coil 650 and second inductive coil652 may operate independently or separately. In the non-limiting examplewhere first inductive coil 650 and second inductive coil 652 operateindependently, controller (not shown) of electronic device 600 maydetermine or estimate a coupling efficiency between the inductive coilsbetween the devices. For example, the controller may estimate thecoupling efficiency by comparing the estimated amount of power beingtransmitted/emitted by one device with the actual or estimated amount ofpower being received by the other device. In some cases, the controllermay be used to activate or deactivate the second (outer) inductive coil652 based on the estimated coupling efficiency.

In some cases, the transmitting device includes multiple outer coilsthat surround the first coil. Each outer coil may be independentlyactivated based on an estimated coupling efficiency. This allows asingle transmit coil to efficiently wirelessly couple power with a widerange of receive coils that may vary in size. The estimated couplingefficiency may be based on an estimate of the transmitted and receivedpower. The estimated coupling efficiency may also be based on themanufacturing specifications of the devices. For example, if thereceiving device is identified, the transmitting device may activate oneor more outer coils based on the type or size of receiving coil that isspecified to be in the identified device. Additionally or alternatively,the device 600 may be configured to activate one or more outer coils fortwo or more transmission modes and estimate the power couplingefficiency for each transmission mode. The transmission mode having thehighest estimated coupling efficiency may be selected to wirelesslytransfer power between the two devices.

With respect to FIG. 22A, each of first inductive coil 650 and secondinductive coil 652 may be configured as a transmitting coil or areceiving coil. In the non-limiting example, first inductive coil 650may only operate as a transmitting coil for transmitting power toinductive coil 112 and second inductive coil 652 may only operate as areceiving coil for receiving power from inductive coil 112, as discussedherein. When sixth electronic device 600 is in a power receiving mode,second inductive coil 652 may be operable and first inductive coil 650may be disabled. Conversely, when sixth electronic device 600 is in apower transmitting mode, first inductive coil 650 may be operable andsecond inductive coil 652 may be disabled.

FIG. 22B shows another non-limiting example of first inductive coil 650and second inductive coil 652 in electrical communication with externalfirst inductive coil 660 and external second inductive coil 662 of anexternal electronic device (not shown). As shown in FIG. 22B, firstinductive coil 650 may be aligned with and may be substantially similarin size to external first inductive coil 660. Additionally firstinductive coil 650 may be concentrically positioned around and/or mayencircle external second inductive coil 662. Also shown in FIG. 22B,second inductive coil 652 may be concentrically surrounded by and/orencircled by external first inductive coil 660, may be aligned with, andmay be substantially similar in size to external second inductive coil662.

Similar to FIG. 22A, first inductive coil 650, second inductive coil652, external first inductive coil 660, and external second inductivecoil 662 may operate as both a transmitting coil and a receiving coil,or alternatively may function as a dedicated transmit or receive coil.Additionally, first inductive coil 650, second inductive coil 652,external first inductive coil 660 and external second inductive coil 662may also be activated together when transmitting power between theinductive coils or only one inductive coil of each electronic device maybe operational when transmitting power. Furthermore, and similar to FIG.22A, the controller of each electronic device may determine whichinductive coil combination is likely to be most efficient whentransmitting power and may activate a specified combination of inductivecoils based on the efficiency determination. In one non-limitingexample, sixth electronic device 600 may transmit power to the externalelectronic device (not shown) having external first and second inductivecoils 660, 662. The respective controllers in the electronic devices maymeasure or estimate the efficiency of the coupling and one or both ofthe controllers may either disable/deactivate or enable/activate one ormore of the inductive coils to improve the efficiency of the coupling.In some cases, one or both of the controllers perform an iterativemeasurement and activation or deactivation of the coils to determine aconfiguration that provides the maximum efficiency given the hardwareconfiguration of the respective devices and sets of inductive coils.

When utilizing the inductive charging systems and processes discussedherein with respect to FIGS. 1-22B display features of the electronicdevices may be altered or modified based on the inductive chargingsystem. Turning to FIGS. 23A-23C, a process of aligning first electronicdevice 100 with second electronic device 200 using display features isshown. As shown in FIG. 23A, first electronic device 100 and secondelectronic device 200 may be operational. As a result, first electronicdevice 100 may include a group of interactive, computerized applicationicons 160, referred to herein as “app icons,” visible on display 104.The group of apps icons 160 may be arranged in rows and columns ondisplay 104 of first electronic device 100. As shown in FIG. 23A, secondelectronic device 200 may also include a group of apps icons 260 visibleon display 204. The app icons 160, 260 are provided by way of anon-limiting example only and other graphical objects or elements may bedisplayed and altered or manipulated in a similar way as describedherein.

In some embodiments, inductive coils 112, 212 a-c are used to detect thepresence or proximity of the two devices 100, 200. In some cases, asfirst electronic device 100 moves over second electronic device 200 in adirection (D), inductive coil 112 of first electronic device 100 maybriefly couple and/or electrically communicate with an inductive coil212 a-c of second electronic device 200. In the non-limiting example, asshown in FIGS. 23A and 23B, when the brief coupling and/or communicationis made between an inductive coil 112 a-c of first electronic device 100and an inductive coil 212 a-c of second electronic device 200, thepresence or proximity of the devices are detected and one or both ofelectronic devices 100, 200 may enter into an inductive charging mode.In some embodiments, a proximity sensor or other sensing device is usedto detect the presence or proximity of electronic devices 100, 200 andmay be used to trigger an inductive charging mode in one or both ofelectronic devices 100, 200.

In some embodiments, the graphical output of one or both of the displaysof electronic devices 100, 200 may be altered or modified in response toa coupling between the inductive coils 112, 212 a-c. FIG. 23B showsfirst electronic device 100 and second electronic device 200 aligned inaccordance with an inductive charging mode after first electronic device100 has moved over and coupled and/or communicated with secondelectronic device 200 via inductive coils 112, 212 a-c. As shown in FIG.23B, the display of electronic devices 100, 200 may be modified suchthat apps icons 160, 260 (see FIG. 23A) may no longer be displayed orvisible on one or both of first and second electronic devices 100, 200.In the non-limiting example shown in FIG. 23B, first electronic device100 and second electronic device 200 may include device-charginggraphical presentation visible on displays 104, 204, respectively, inresponse to the coupling and/or communication between the inductivecoils 112, 212 a-c. For example, an inductive coil graphic 162 may bepresented on display 104 of first electronic device 100 for indicatingthe location of the inductive coil 112 within the enclosure 102 of firstelectronic device 100.

In some embodiments, one or both of the displays 104, 204 may present agraphical output in response to first electronic device 100 beingproximate to second electronic device 200. In some instances, thegraphical output may include or indicate an alignment condition betweenelectronic devices 100, 200, which may be used to assist or guide thealignment of the two electronic devices 100, 200. For example, as shownin FIG. 23B, the display 104 may also present an indicator box 164 whichmay provide a visual indicator to a user of the alignment betweenelectronic devices 100, 200. In some instances, the indicator box 164may include text or a graphic which may relate to the alignment of firstelectronic device 100 with second electronic device 200 when attemptingto align inductive coils 112, 212 b to facilitate efficient powertransmission between electronic devices 100, 200, as discussed herein.In the example embodiment shown in FIG. 23B, the indicator box 164 maypresent a graphic to a user indicating that first electronic device 100is not properly aligned with second electronic device 200, and thus,optimal inductive charging may not be achieved between electronicdevices 100, 200. In some cases, the indicator box 164 may indicate adegree of misalignment or provide a visual guide to assist the user inmoving electronic devices 100, 200 into alignment. The indication mayinclude a direction and/or magnitude of misalignment, which is updatedas electronic devices 100, 200 move with respect to each other.

As shown in FIG. 23B, display 204 of second electronic device 200 mayinclude substantially similar display features as display 104 of firstelectronic device 100. That is, display 204 may display to a user aninductive coil graphic 262 corresponding to a location of the inductivecoil 212 b and an indicator box 264. In addition in the non-limitingexample, display 204 of second electronic device 200 may also include apredicted device outline 266 to aid in the positioning of firstelectronic device 100 on second electronic device 200 for inductivecharging between the devices. When inductive coil 112 of firstelectronic device 100 briefly communicates with inductive coil 212 b ofsecond electronic device 200, second electronic device 200 may identifyor determine that first electronic device 100 is a smart phone. As such,display 204 of second electronic device 200 may display device outline266 for a smart phone to indicate to the user where first electronicdevice 100 may be positioned on second electronic device 200 forinductive charging.

As shown in FIG. 23C, a user may position first electronic device 100 onsecond electronic device 200 within device outline 266, which may resultin first and second electronic devices 100, 200 being aligned forinductive charging. In the non-limiting example, when first electronicdevice 100 is positioned within device outline 266, inductive coil 112of first electronic device 100 may be aligned and/or in electricalcommunication with inductive coil 212 b of second electronic device 200.Additionally, when first electronic device 100 is positioned within orsubstantially close to device outline 266, the alignment magnets 124,224 (see FIGS. 2 and 5A) of first and second electronic device 100, 200may be magnetically attracted to each other, which may assist inpositioning the first electronic device 100 such that inductive coil 112may be aligned and/or in electrical communication with inductive coil212 b, as discussed herein. As shown in FIG. 23C, when inductive coil112 of first electronic device 100 is aligned and/or in electricalcommunication with inductive coil 212 b, indicator box 164 of firstelectronic device 100 and/or indicator box 264 of second electronicdevice 200 may provide or display a graphic or text to a user,indicating that power transmission between electronic devices 100, 200is ready to begin or has already begun.

In another non-limiting example shown in FIG. 24, second electronicdevice 200 may include a group of inductive coils 212 a, 212 b, and 212c. As a result, when inductive coil 112 of first electronic device 100briefly couples and/or communicates with inductive coils 212 a, 212 b,212 c of second electronic device 200, the display 204 may display to auser a group of device outlines 266. Each device outline 266 shown inFIG. 24 may correspond to aligning and/or positioning inductive coil 112of electronic device 100 with an external inductive coil 212 a, 212 b,212 c of second electronic device 200. Additionally, the orientation ofeach device outline 266 visible on display 204 of second electronicdevice 200 may correspond to the positioning of alignment magnets 224(see FIG. 5A) of second electronic device 200. These device outlines 266may aid in aligning and/or configuring first inductive coil 112 inelectrical communication with one or more of inductive coils 212 a, 212b, 212 c, as discussed herein.

In addition, when positioning first electronic device 100 on secondelectronic device 200 to transmit power between the electronic devices,the data and displays of the electronic devices may be transferred. Thatis, as shown in FIG. 25 and similarly discussed herein with respect toFIG. 23C, first electronic device 100 may be positioned on secondelectronic device 200, such that inductive coil 112 (see FIG. 2) offirst electronic device 100 may be in electrical communication withinductive coil 212 b (see FIG. 5A) of second electronic device 200.Additionally, as discussed herein, once in electrical communication,second electronic device 200 may transmit power to first electronicdevice 100 for increasing the charge of battery 120 of first electronicdevice 100. In addition to transmitting power, inductive coils (112, 212b) may transmit data, as well. As shown in FIG. 25, second electronicdevice 200 may transmit data to first electronic device 100, such thatone or more app icons 260 of second electronic device 200 may be visibleand/or interacted with on display 104 of first electronic device 100. Asa result, as first electronic device 100 increases the charge of battery120 (FIG. 2) by receiving power from second electronic device 200, firstelectronic device 100 may also receive data from second electronicdevice 200, which allows a user to interact with second electronicdevice 200 using first electronic device 100.

In another non-limiting example, as shown in FIGS. 26A-27, the visibleand interactive display area of the electronic devices may be modifiedwhen positioning first electronic device 100 on second electronic device200 to transmit power between the electronic devices. As shown in FIG.26A, display area 268 of display 204 of second electronic device 200 mayinclude the entire area of display 204 prior to moving first electronicdevice 100 over second electronic device 200 to induce a briefcommunication between inductive coils 112, 212 a-c. However, as shown inFIG. 26B, once the brief coupling and/or communication is made betweeninductive coil 112 of first electronic device 100 and inductive coil 212a of second electronic device 200, display area 268 of display 204 maybe reduced in size. Display area 268 may be reduced in size by thedimensions of device outline 266 displayed on display 204 of secondelectronic device 200 used to align inductive coil 112 and inductivecoil 212 a, as discussed herein.

As a result of the reduction in display area 268 of display 204, appicons 260 of second electronic device 200 may be altered or shifted ondisplay 204. As shown by comparison in FIGS. 26A-26C, app icons 260 maybe reduced from 24 app icons 260 displayed on display 204 (see, FIG.26A) to 20 displayed app icons 260 (see, FIGS. 26B and 26C). In anon-limiting example, all app icons 260 of second electronic device 200may shift down, such that the row of app icons 260 positioned closest tobutton 206 (FIG. 5A) of second electronic device 200 may now bedisplayed on a distinct app icons page of electronic device 200. Inanother non-limiting example, the row of app icons 260 positionedfurthest from button 206 and may be covered by first electronic device100 may be moved to a distinct app icons page of electronic device 200.

As shown in FIG. 26C, although display area 268 of display 204 may bereduced when inductive coil 112 of first electronic device 100 is inelectrical communication within inductive coil 212 of second electronicdevice 200, the reduced display area 268 may still be interacted with bya user of second electronic device 200. As shown in FIG. 26C, the firstelectronic device 100 may also present an indicator box 164 on display104 which may provide a visual indicator to a user of the alignmentbetween electronic devices 100, 200.

In an additional non-limiting embodiment and as discussed herein withrespect to data transfer between electronic devices, first electronicdevice 100 may display app icons 260 of second electronic device 200that may be otherwise covered by first electronic device 100. As shownin FIGS. 26A-C, inductive coil 112 of first electronic device 100 may bein electrical communication within inductive coil 212 of secondelectronic device 200 for receiving power from second electronic device200. Additionally, inductive coil 212 may transmit data to firstelectronic device 100. The data transferred may include informationassociated with the app icons 260 that may be positioned in the row ofapp icons covered by first electronic device 100. As similarly discussedherein with respect to FIG. 25, first electronic device 100 may displaythe data transmitted by second electronic device 200. In the example ofFIG. 27, first electronic device 100 may display the row of app icons260 positioned furthest from button 206, and may allow a user tointeract with these app icons 260. When a user interacts with the appicons 260 displayed on first electronic device 100, the app icon 260 maybe opened in display area 268 of display 204 of second electronic device200.

FIG. 28 depicts an example process for inductively charging a battery ofan electronic device. Specifically, FIG. 28 is a flowchart depicting oneexample process 700 for inductively charging at least one electronicdevice using an external electronic device.

In operation 702, an inductive coil of a first electronic device may bepositioned adjacent to an inductive coil of a second electronic device.The positioning may further include positioning the first electronicdevice directly on the second electronic device, and aligning theinductive coil of the first electronic device with the inductive coil ofthe second electronic device. The inductive coils may be aligned whenthe inductive coils are in electrical communication with one another.The positioning of the inductive coil of the first electronic deviceadjacent the inductive coil of the second electronic device may alsoinclude coupling a group of alignment magnets positioned within both thefirst electronic device and the second electronic device.

In operation 704, the inductive coil of the first electronic device maybe configured. The configuring of the inductive coil of the firstelectronic device may include selecting the operational mode of theinductive coil using a controller coupled to the inductive coil. Theoperational mode of the inductive coil of the first electronic devicemay include a power receiving operational mode for wirelessly receivingpower, which may be used to increase a charge of a battery of the firstelectronic device. The operational mode may also include a powertransmitting operational mode for wirelessly receiving power, which maydecrease the charge of the battery and/or draw power from an externalpower source, such as a wall outlet.

In operation 706, the inductive coil of the second electronic device maybe configured. The configuring of the inductive coil of the secondelectronic device may include selecting the operational mode of theinductive coil using a controller coupled to the inductive coil. Theoperational mode of the inductive coil of the second electronic devicemay include a power receiving operational mode for wirelessly receivingpower, which may be used to increase a charge of a battery of the firstelectronic device. The operational mode may also include a powertransmitting operational mode for wirelessly receiving power, which maydecrease the charge of the battery and/or draw power from an externalpower source, such as a wall outlet.

In operation 708, power may be wirelessly transmitted between the firstelectronic device and the second electronic device. More specifically,power may be transmitted from the inductive coil of the first electronicdevice to the inductive coil of the second electronic device, or fromthe inductive coil of the second electronic device to the inductive coilof the first electronic device. The transmission of power may bedependent on the operational mode of the inductive coil of the firstelectronic device and the second electronic device where the operationalmodes are distinct or different. As such, the transmitting of the powerfrom the inductive coil of the first electronic device to the inductivecoil of the second electronic device may further include determining ifthe inductive coil of the first electronic device is configured in apower transmitting operational mode, and determining if the inductivecoil of the second electronic device is configured in a power receivingoperational mode. Conversely, the transmitting of the power from theinductive coil of the second electronic device to the inductive coil ofthe first electronic device may further include determining if theinductive coil of the second electronic device is configured in a powertransmitting operational mode, and determining if the inductive coil ofthe first electronic device is configured in a power receivingoperational mode.

The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, used specificnomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the describedembodiments. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art thatthe specific details are not required in order to practice the describedembodiments. Thus, the foregoing descriptions of the specificembodiments described herein are presented for purposes of illustrationand description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit theembodiments to the precise forms disclosed. It will be apparent to oneof ordinary skill in the art that many modifications and variations arepossible in view of the above teachings.

What is claimed is:
 1. A portable electronic device comprising: a mainbody including a plurality of keys exposed on a top side of the mainbody; and a display case attached to the main body and including adisplay, the display case movable between a closed position in which thedisplay case overlies the main body and an open position in which thedisplay case is angled away from the main body; a first inductive coildisposed within the main body underneath a first region of a top side ofthe main body positioned laterally away from the plurality of keys, thefirst inductive coil configured to provide inductive power to, orreceive inductive power from, an external electronic device through thefirst region of the top side of the main body; and a batteryelectrically coupled to the first inductive coil.
 2. The portableelectronic device of claim 1, wherein the first inductive coil isdisposed underneath the first region of the top side of the main body.3. The portable electronic device of claim 1, further comprising a trackpad positioned laterally below the plurality of keys and within aportion of the top side of the main body.
 4. The portable electronicdevice of claim 3, wherein the first inductive coil is disposedunderneath the track pad and configured to provide inductive power to,or receive inductive power from, the external electronic device throughthe track pad.
 5. The portable electronic device of claim 4, furthercomprising a second inductive coil positioned within the main body,wherein the second inductive coil is disposed underneath the firstregion of the top side of the main body, and configured to provideinductive power to, or receive inductive power from, the externalelectronic device through the first region.
 6. The portable electronicdevice of claim 4, wherein the display is a touch sensitive displayconfigured to receive inputs for the track pad in response to adetermination that the track pad is providing inductive power to theexternal electronic device.
 7. The portable electronic device of claim3, wherein the first region of the top side of the main body ispositioned beside the track pad, and the first inductive coil isdisposed below the first region of the top side of the main body besidethe track pad.
 8. The portable electronic device of claim 7, furthercomprising a second region of the top side of the main body positionedbeside the track pad opposite of the first region.
 9. The portableelectronic device of claim 8, further comprising a third inductive coilpositioned within the main body, wherein the third inductive coil isdisposed underneath the second region of the top side of the main body,and configured to provide inductive power to, or receive inductive powerfrom, the external electronic device through the second region.
 10. Aportable electronic device comprising: a main body including a pluralityof keys exposed on a top side of the main body; and a display caseattached to the main body and including a display on a front side of thedisplay case, the display case movable between a closed position inwhich the display case overlies the main body and an open position inwhich the display case is angled away from the main body; a firstinductive coil disposed within the display case and positioned against aback side of the display case opposite the front side, the firstinductive coil is configured to provide inductive power to, or receiveinductive power from, an external electronic device through the backside of the display case; and a battery electrically coupled to thefirst inductive coil.
 11. The portable electronic device of claim 10,further comprising a second inductive coil disposed within the displaycase and against the back side of the display case.
 12. The portableelectronic device of claim 11, wherein the second inductive coil ispositioned a distance away from the first inductive coil.
 13. Theportable electronic device of claim 11, wherein the first inductive coilis configured to provide inductive power to the external electronicdevice and the second inductive coil is configured to simultaneouslyprovide inductive power to another external electronic device.
 14. Theportable electronic device of claim 11, wherein the first inductive coiland second inductive coil are configured to simultaneously provideinductive power to the external electronic device.
 15. A systemcomprising: a first electronic device comprising: a housing; a firstbattery within the housing; and a first inductive coil coupled to thefirst battery and positioned within the housing and; a second electronicdevice comprising: a main body including a plurality of keys exposed ona top side of the main body; and a display case attached to the mainbody and including a display, the display case movable between a closedposition in which the display case overlies the main body and an openposition in which the display case is angled away from the main body; asecond inductive coil disposed within the main body underneath a firstregion of a top side of the main body positioned laterally away from theplurality of keys, the second inductive coil configured to provideinductive power to, or receive inductive power from, an externalelectronic device through the first region of the top side of the mainbody; and a second battery electrically coupled to the second inductivecoil.
 16. The system of claim 15, wherein the second inductive coil isdisposed underneath the first region of the top side of the main body.17. The system of claim 15, wherein the second electronic device furthercomprises a track pad positioned laterally below the plurality of keysand within a portion of the top side of the main body.
 18. The system ofclaim 17, wherein the second inductive coil is disposed underneath thetrack pad and configured to provide inductive power to, or receiveinductive power from, the first electronic device through the track pad.19. The system of claim 18, wherein the second electronic device furthercomprises a third inductive coil positioned within the main body,wherein the third inductive coil is disposed underneath the first regionof the top side of the main body, and configured to provide inductivepower to, or receive inductive power from, the external electronicdevice through the first region.
 20. The system of claim 18, wherein thesecond electronic device further comprises a second region of the topside of the main body positioned beside the track pad opposite of thefirst region, and further comprises a fourth inductive coil positionedwithin the main body, wherein the fourth inductive coil is disposedunderneath the second region of the top side of the main body, andconfigured to provide inductive power to, or receive inductive powerfrom, the first electronic device through the second region.